Found Elana's Taco Shop after searching the Memphis area for good Mexican food. The places I tried previously were ok but the burritos were so small. Not what I was used to back in California . The surf & turf burrito was huge here and tasted great just like I had back home. I'd give 10 stars if I could! The San Diego theme was bonus to remind me of home. read more

Stopped by for lunch. My order came out so fast. I had a chicken and steak taco. The corn tortilla was so soft and fluffy. My tacos were fresh and delish. The young lady was very nice. The place is inside of a gas station so it does look a little run down because of the area. The food is very good and very affordable. This is the original location which is quite spacious on the inside. There are many tables and chairs and steady business for lunch. read more

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Stopped by for a quick lunch at Elena's Taco shop. The service was great and fast. I waited maybe 7 minutes for two tacos. I ordered the Elena chicken taco and an Elena steak taco on corn tortillas. Very tasty. Needed a little more seasoning but maybe these tacos are supposed to be simple but good. I did taste all the fresh ingredients and the guacamole was very good. The corn tortillas were authentic and thin. American style tacos at times have too much taco seasoning. I probably have been missing out on real tacos. The place is housed in a gas station on Summer Avenue. There are tables and chairs to dine in and plenty of space to order take out. Place was clean and organized. I will return to try more authentic foods at Elenas. read more

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When it comes to Mexican Restaurants I am excessively critical (you may have gotten my overall negative feelings toward them from some of my other reviews). I am very staunch and unforgiving in my blunt dislike of nearly all Americanized Mexican restaurants practically anywhere (I still have not been able to muster a review of the horror I experienced in Such a Mexican restaurant in Oregon). I finally did made the jaunt to Elena's front door located in a store front that shares a corner building with a conspicuous gas station (its signage too boasting to have great food). I read another reviewer commenting on the 'heavy' food to be found at Elena's; I went prepared and with just a little bit of dread. I needn't have went with either. Sure, Elena's had a variety of 'heavy' options - the notorious carne asada fries to name just one. However, my choices run more to the grilled fish or grilled shrimp tacos mounded with fresh greens, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, and etc.; perfectly seasoned and only lightly drizzled with a light cream (I sometimes get without) - all nestled in a tender corn tortilla. If you get one of the numbered 'meal' options your tacos come with beans and rice. Of the two, the rice is a huge surprise. I tasted the rice not expecting to really eat it .... I soon found I wish there had been more. Elena's rice is quite tasty. We have ordered the Chips with Guacamole - which comes with a sprinkling if pico and shredded cheese; and unfortunately a small amount of Guacamole (be sure to ask for additional guacamole if you order). Having ordered the Guacamole (being the creamy and not chunky kind) four separate visits it is interesting to note it always tastes differently. Today it was just a bit too 'Limey'. Not the best Guacamole in town ... Definitely NOT among the worst. On Saturdays it seems (or the past two Saturdays that i know of) Elena's serves Tamales: Cheese, Pork, or Beef. These two are tender, well seasoned, and tasty (I having the cheese my dining companion had the beef). The Green salsa is just perfectly heated deliciousness. It is listed as: Hot. They should just label it as: Delectable. There are several clean tables for dining in; surrounded by brightly painted walls, California Surfing decor, and oldies music playing on Pandora in the background. If my memory serves me correctly, all of the meals listed on the flat screen boards range from six to nine dollars. Not a bad lunch deal (or anytime deal actually). If you too have been quite skeptical of the idea if yet 'another' Mexican restaurant on summer .... pay Elena's Taco Shop a little visit; you too may soon become a believer. read more

I love this place! Never disappointed with the food or price. Will be back for sure. Thanks!

I was born and raised in San Diego, so when I heard there was a San Diego Based Mexican food nearby, I didn't hesitate to come on over. Beautiful mural was in the process of being painted of San Diego's Coronado bridge and the hotel which I adored and made me feel right at home. The service was great. Very nice and friendly workers who were attentive to every detail of the order while being quick and efficient. The food was great; the closest thing to home I've found thus far. I got a carne asada burrito and shrimp taco. The shrimp taco was delicious and the ingredients- fresh. The burrito was great, really nicely seasoned and HUGE! I also love that there is an open salsa bar with the carrots as well. Probably the go-to even tho it's a drive for me - it's worth it. read more

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This is our favorite place for shrimp tacos. The service is usually fast. They are back open for dine in.

Every time I order there is something missing. How are you a taco place and not have tacos. How do you not have burritos? That's just weird. And the meat? Over cooked. To the extreme. No flavor and texture is completely off. read more

This was my first visit and found the staff to be nice. They were helpful and accommodating. I got the steak street tacos and while they were not the best street tacos I have had, I enjoyed them. Coworker got some sort of burrito and it was massive! All three of us had an enjoyable meal and visit. I would suggest trying it out. You may like it. read more

It's more like 3.5 stars. I originally came here because I was told this is the place for a California burrito. The size was good, kinda worth the prize on size alone. The flavor of everything put together was pretty good. The carne asada though on its own, had little flavor, and it was super dry meat. I will say the salsas they had were really good, as well as the Agua Fresca. read more

Grab some Mexican food that will remind you of California/Southeast. Service can be nonexistent as they typically make you do your own order through a touch screen, which isn't bad, but I just wasn't used to that myself. They do come out to hand you your food. It felt rushed last time I went, staff seems to really love hiding behind the big black doors. The atmosphere needs help. A revamp. It's lackluster and seems like there is a grimy film on everything. That overall look when something is just old and used. read more

Food is consistently good. Price is fair for the amount. Staff have been helpful and efficient.

This was the most bland Mexican food I ever had. The guacamole was just mashed avocado. Torta meat was dry and tasted like if was sitting under a heat lamp. We got a guacamole, small burrito and small torta and 2 drinks for $40???? Not worth $10. read more

There is no such thing as a small order. From the rolled tacos to the burritos. Wow! Is all I can say. If you like HOT sauces as well this is your place! Yummy! read more

Sorry, but I seriously don't know what all the hype is about. The ambience is dingy and tired, and all their food is covered in a wet slaw. Everything tastes the same. What a disappointment. read more

First visit at the famous taco shop. Service was great and the food was yummy. We ordered burritos and they were huge with tons of meat. We are a big fan of the salsa bar Carne Asada Burrito Carne Asada Fries Chorizo Burrito Chicken Cali Burrito read more

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I've been a few times, the burritos are really good. I really like the salsa bar and the ones I've had are good and the spice labeling is fair. Cheese dip was ok, not a ton of flavor and a little thin for me read more

I came across this place and stopped in for dinner. Southern Californian style burritos and tacos are on the menu. I had the carne asada fries, french fries topped with carne asada (steak), guacamole, cheese, sour cream, and pico de gallo, a personal favorite, and a street taco. While both were good, I thought the portions were a little small for the price. I did like their salsa bar. It offered several hot salsas, which is great for me. I opted for their hottest. I have had hotter, but, again, it was good. A good spot to grab some Southern California food in Memphis, Tennessee. Check them out if you are in the area. read more

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Authentic SoCal burritos and great salsa bar. The fish taco is also a must. All around good taco shop.

The food really is good but the place is just weird. Ordering is a strange process and often your food is places in a window behind a bar where no one is there to bring it to you. Again though, the food is solid. It's just a really awkward place to go inside. read more

I really don't understand all the crazy raving reviews for this place. I have been wanting to try it out for years now and finally got the opportunity. Even upon just seeing them, I was already a little bit disappointed by the messy and bland appearance of everything but then I bit into the food and every single item of food was beyond bland in taste. Like, I can't even truly explain what I just experienced because it seems as though all the meat except the fried fish was boiled in just plain water without any sort of seasoning nor salt even. Just bland. The veggies did not seem fresh at all either and the red and green salsa were both very watery. The only reason I'm giving this place 2 stars is because of how cheap all the items were. Specifically the tacos. So if you're looking to fill your stomach up for cheap, this would be a good place to go to. However if you're looking for some flavor, go elsewhere. Also, what kind of a taco place doesn't give limes with their tacos??? read more

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Really enjoyed their food. The Cordova location is better than the Summer Ave one. The folks on Summer were kinda rude.

I visited in the past, but most recently during the lockdown. They conveniently created a walk-up counter for ordering. The cashier was pleasant and patient. I didn't hear my name being called. But the food was very warm when I opened it when I arrived home. The portion sizes were very ample. I planned on sharing, but had enough to split it into 2 meals. I do regret getting the burrito with fries inside since I also ordered carne asada fries. I thought the fries were nice and crispy and the toppings were great. I think II would be nice to have a way to call people when their orders are ready as an area of opportunity. I'll check them out again though. read more

Elena's Taco Shop - Grilled Chicken California Burrito and Carne Asada Fries - Mexican Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I visited this location after 3 years because they only had drive thru open during Covid. Place is not what it used to be. - Restaurant: Dirty. Booth seats were torn and taped up. Very trashy - Service: There was literally no one around. The cashier finally came out after a bit to take our order, but seems like the new trend with fast food joints is for no one to be present at the front if you have a questions/concerns. Save yourself the tip. - Food: Terrible. We ordered surf and turf burritos and the rice was not cooked. When we informed the staff, she confirmed that the batch of rice that was in our burrito was in fact undercooked. She brought us another bowl of rice.....guess what...still undercooked. And how are you supposed to take out the rice inside your burrito. - Price: Overpriced, but honestly even $1.00 is too much for what we got in return Find another place for burritos/street tacos. Plenty out there. I'll give this place a year or 2 before it goes out of business w/ the kind of service, quality of food, and type of customers coming in and out of this location. read more

I've been staying in and eating at home because of the virus but I really wanted some yummy comfort food. We called and put in a to go order and they were super polite when I called. The set up: they aren't letting customers inside. You drive to the side and there's a service window. The attendant takes your card or cash and then the next window is where you get your food. No hand to hand contact and no breathing on you. It was safe and secure and I appreciated it! I fed my family of three for about 30.00 and the food was delicious! Will definitely be back! read more

Elena's Taco Shop - Carne Asada California Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Placed a pick up order. The money came out of my account and waited the 30min and went to the restaurant. They told me my payment had not gone through and told me I would need to pay again. Then they told me it would be another 15-20min to wait for the food. I had my phone number on the order. They could have called me immediately so I just didn't waste my lunch break and now I don't have food. There horrible service is why I haven't been in 3 years and I will not return. read more

Great food!!!!! service is a little ghetto (inappropriate convo between employees) but they're polite to the customers.

I no longer live in Memphis and hadn't been here in several months due to Covid. I've been really careful and picky about where I get food because the places where I live now mostly don't have good Covid protocols, but I was sure that wouldn't be a concern at Elena's and stopped by yesterday to pick up late lunch. I love how they set up the walk-up ordering and pick-up windows for a no-contact experience. Everything is clearly labeled so customers know how to interact, and there are speakers to make it easy for customers and staff to communicate. I got the carne asada fries as well as some beans to eat later for dinner. The food smelled so good that I ended up eating the fries right there in my car. It was every bit as good as I remembered. Those fries are always so crispy. I wish I could find food even remotely similar where I live in Louisiana because I've missed Elena's so much since I moved. read more

Elena's Taco Shop - You order at this window. I didn't have to ring the bell. Someone was waiting even though it was 3:45 PM. - Mexican Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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I always get this order: * Torta (asada) * California burrito * Jamaica drink (made from hibiscus leaves and delicious) Sometimes I'll throw in a shrimp taco. I can never decide between the California burrito and the torta, so I get them both and nibble all day! Elena's is such a blessing. I've tried tortas from a few other places, and they just pale in comparison. Both locations serve it up right, but the one near Wolfchase is closer to me, so that's usually the one I order from. read more

I've been eating at this place for years. I always get the surf and turf burrito with a side of 4oz cheese dip. I've noticed over the last year-ish the size of the burrito has shrunk. Price is definitely up. They always forget my cheese dip which is so frustrating especially when I even add a note saying "PLEASE DON'T FORGET CHEESE DIP!!" Yet again today was no different and quite frankly I'm tired of ordering from places that can't read a simple order. All in all, today was last day ordering from this place. read more

The food was really bland!! I feel that more could've been added to the burrito like queso or sour cream. The tacos did have any flavor. I had been in here for a week reading review and was very excited to go but now I'm just disappointed. read more

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We first stumbled upon Elena's when they were located on Summer Ave. and I give their food 10 stars! When they took over the old Schlotzky's building near Wolfchase we were very excited. My only complaint is I do think their pricing is a bit high. Also, this may not be totally accurate, but their operating hours don't seem to be consistent. We haven't been in since everything went to heck in 2020, but it is on my list to try again, because the food is so darn good! read more

Good size portion of food, quality is good, you can ask for extra spicy or no spice on food. Burritos are good. Just try them out. You want regret it. Summer location is my favorite location. read more

I've tried the chicken in every form they serve it.... & I've come to the conclusion that "California Stlye" must mean "no seasoning" The surf & turf burrito I had was not what I expected... chicken was the same color as the tortilla- & was bland and had no seasoning along with the shrimp & rice.... read more

Absolutely delicious. You've heard about the incredible food from "Hole in the Wall" places, well this is one of those places. We are from Texas and we have found it hard to find great Mexican Food in Memphis. Elena's checked that box for us. read more

Close SO close to some of my favorite Baha style Mexican haunts back in CaliFORNia. A solid "Good" review overall for Baha Mex nationally but definitely a "BEST in Memphis" for this genre. Picky, so picky I am when it comes to carne asada burritos. The steak is adequately seasoned, the giant tortilla has that bizarre gravity defying super strength, nice portion (even the "slim" will challenge a pro). My second burrito definitely better than the first. On my second visit I requested "extra cilantro" which made a nice difference. The salsa bar with endless limes also a plus to add some needed acid (FYI the sandwich baggies at the bar are for limes aplenty). Still cannot quite place the missing ingredient for my favorite type of San Diego burrito other than that mystical verde hot sauce every burrito stand seems to master. My third burrito, really enjoyed this one and even went for a side fish taco, also a winner. Not fancy, just some good food here kids. read more

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Street tacos are absolutely wonderful. We love this place and highly recommend it if you like authentic west coast style tacos. read more

One of my favorite taco places in town. Hands down the best carne asada fries and authentic California style tacos and burritos!! Love this place!! read more

This place is falling apart. They never have the rolled tacos or ice or sodas working. Their fish is smelly. I'm never going back and am so disappointed. The service is slow and unfriendly. read more

Passing through town, we decided to make a quick pit stop for lunch. I didn't expect too much. I'm from Texas y'all :) Looking at the pics, I knew I had to try the Cali burrito. It's basically carne asada fries (with chicken too) wrapped up in a tortilla. Yes, there are fries IN in the burrito. No need to get a side of carne asada fries like I did. Rookie mistake because, although it was good, the burrito was so filling! Oh, I got the slim size. More like "Texas-sized" slim! I can't imagine eating a regular size burrito unless you're planning to get two meals out of it. I did find the salsas disappointing. There were quite a few to choose from and I was glad to see my go-to salsa verde but it lacked the spicy punch I was anticipating. The others were ok but not one stood out. Props to them for having lime wedges and pickled carrots on the salsa bar. We left full and happy. Nice place! read more